HAZEL VIOLET CRAFT
August 15, 1927 ~ January 29, 2010 

     Hazel Violet Craft, 82 years old, passed away on January 29th 2010 due to health complications. 
     Hazel was born August 15, 1927 to Fred and Elaine Hooker and grew up north of Lake Alice on their family farm. Hazel moved to Park Rapids in her teenage years to attend High School where she graduated in 1945. Hazel and Norman C. Craft were married on May 29, 1946 and made their home in Park Rapids. In 1963, they moved to the Osage area and settled in on Straight Lake, where Hazel resided until her death. Hazel worked at the Wringers Company early in their marriage, sewing piece work for the company. Hazel and Norman bought and owned the Gambles Store on Main Street in Park Rapids for many years until her retirement. In her retirement, Hazel worked part-time at the warehouse for the Village of the Smokey Hills in Osage. She enjoyed seeing all the new items and enjoyed her work there with Denise. She also enjoyed all the ladies at the Tops club and Birthday club she attended in Park Rapids. Hazel loved living on the lake, enjoying her birds and squirrels. She enjoyed all the activities on the lake and so enjoyed all the boat rides and watching her grandchildren.
     Hazel loved being with her daughter and grandchildren. She was a wonderful, loving and patient mother and grandmother. She cherished the time with us as we did with her; she will be missed greatly.
     Hazel is survived by her Daughter, Lucinda J. Craft of Barnesville, MN; Grandson, Bradley Knutson (Alicia) of Ellendale, ND: Granddaughter: Jennifer Knutson, Fargo, ND: Grandson: Michael Knutson, Barnesville, MN. Nieces and Nephews: Dean Craft (Sherrie), Park Rapids, MN: Sharon Kriesel (Bernie), Princeton, MN: Dennis Craft (Carol), Elk River, MN: Neil (Carol) Fisher, Cooperstown, ND: Louann (Clinton) Solberg, Cooperstown, ND: Loreen (Marvin) Lawyer, Bemidji, MN: LaMae (Jim) Ritchie, Bemidji, MN: Russell (Janell) Fisher, Solway, MN: Diane (Keith) Backer, Tenstrike, MN: Bruce (Renae) Hooker, Elk River, MN: Brother: Melvin (Elaine) Hooker, Park Rapids, MN. Many great nieces and great nephews.
     Hazel was preceded in death by her husband, Norman, and nephew Dennis Craft.

     Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M., Tuesday, February 2, 2010 at the Riverside United Methodist Church in Park Rapids, MN with Reverend Don Bird officiating. Special music will be provided by Trevor Pikula. He will sing “On Eagles Wings” and “ Be Not Afraid”. Congregational hymn will be “How Great Thou Art”. Active casketbearers: Russell Fisher, Doc Blanchard, Carl Lymburner, Dean Craft, Kenny Lymburner and Donny Pachel. Honorary casketbearers: Grandchildren: Brad and Alicia Knutson, Jenny Knutson and Mike Knutson. To leave online condolences, please visit www.jonespearson.com.